Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights member Kesali Apparao on Tuesday urged the government to ensure ramps and other facilities in all educational institutions, including examination centres, to ensure hassle-free access for the physically challenged students. He has also urged the government to print examination papers with bold letters and provide extra time for the students who had eye problems.
World Vision organisation conducted a workshop with representatives of various NGOs over rights of physically challenged persons and several Acts in the name of ‘Inclusion of Disability’ in Vizianagaram.
Speaking as a chief guest, Mr. Apparao said that the differently-abled children would lead a respectable life when they were provided all the facilities proposed in Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act-1995.
“The government and NGOs should jointly study the welfare measures taken up in different countries for the welfare of differently-abled persons,” he added.
World Vision Manager P. Shyambabu urged the government to collect exact and actual data of physically challenged persons in the State. “During collection of government data, many parents are not enrolling names of their kids as Persons with Disabilities (PWD) category when they have disabilities, fearing about isolation and disrespect. But, they should overcome the stigma and help them to get all benefits,” he added.
Child Welfare Committee chairperson M.V.V. Patnaik urged the district administration to direct all shopping malls and theatres to provide special toilets for physically challenged persons. Representatives of New Life, Ability Foundation, Saptapadi, Adarsha Mahila Society and others spoke at the meeting. Mr. Shyambabu said that their views would be compiled and sent to the government authorities for further action.